Speech Communication Courses

SPCM 11000 - Public Communication 3A HU LA

Exposure to a variety of speaking situations as a means to more comfortable, effective communication. Brief unit on language followed by exercises in various kinds of influential speaking. Emphasis is placed on the ethical responsibilities of the speaker and on the need for a critical posture by both speaker and listener. 3 credits. (F-S,Y)

SPCM 11500 - Business and Professional Communications HU LA

Study of public communication skills used in business and professional settings; emphasis is placed on presentational speaking and motive analysis; opportunity for individualized skill development provided. 3 credits. (F-S,Y)

SPCM 12000 - Communication, Culture, and Rhetoric 1 HU LA

"Introduction to fundamentals of rhetorical theory and rhetorical approaches to the study of communication. Emphasis is placed on the discovery and critical analysis of the rhetorical impulse in a variety of forms of persuasion. Includes a basic survey of rhetorical forms such as speeches, essays, advertising, films, and television. 3 credits. (F,Y)

SPCM 12400 - Courtrooms and Communication 1 HU LA

An investigation of trials and legal advocacy as communication phenomena. The course includes observations of live criminal trials and participation in mock trials. 3 credits. (F,Y)

SPCM 13200 - Storytelling 3B FA LA

Introduction to the practice, history, and theories of storytelling as a performing art. Emphasis is placed on cultural dimensions of oral/folk narrative through study of tales and traditions from different cultures and ethnicities. Students examine a variety of situations and functions for storytelling (e.g., bardic, theatrical, religious). 3 credits. (F,Y)

SPCM 14000 - Small Group Communication 1 LA SS

Examination of the dynamics of small group communication with a focus on problem-solving groups. Topics include leadership, cohesiveness, norms, roles, conflict, problem-solving techniques, conformity and deviance, networks, and listening skills. 3 credits. (F-S,Y)

SPCM 14900 - Fundamentals of Interpersonal Communication 1 LA SS

Introduction to basic principles of interpersonal communication. Presents a theoretical perspective integrated with activities in and out of the classroom. Topics include interpersonal perception, language, nonverbal communication, self-concept, social roles, conflict management, and dynamics of intimacy. 3 credits. (F-S,Y)

SPCM 15000 - Introduction to Communication Theory 1 LA SS

Survey course studying a range of theories within the discipline. Included are the processes of communication (such as attitudes, listening, language, and nonverbal); contexts of communication (such as interpersonal, small group, organizational, public, mass, intercultural); and methods of research. 3 credits. (F-S,Y)

SPCM 21500 - Argumentation and Debate HU LA

Study of the philosophy of argument and logic in persuasion, debate forms, construction of the debate case, and responsibility for reasoned discourse in a society. Prerequisites: Two courses in the humanities and/or social sciences. 3 credits. (F,Y)

SPCM 21800 - Speech Communication for the Classroom Teacher HU LA

Familiarizes students with communication in the classroom from the standpoint of the teacher. Students are exposed to a variety of communication situations, such as lecture, discussion, and simulation, that typify the educational setting, and are required to demonstrate proficiency in directing and critiquing in-class experiences of various types. Designed for nonmajors. Prerequisites: Six credits of coursework in major academic area. 3 credits. (S,E)

SPCM 21900 - Speech Communication Practicum NLA

Practical experience in speech on campus, at the intercollegiate level, and in the community at large; debate and legislative assemblies; discussion, oratory, impromptu, and extemporaneous speaking; oral interpretation and readers' theater. The instructor will designate the minimum activities required to receive credit. May be repeated for a total of 8 credits. Prerequisites: Permission of instructor; participation in one of the department's cocurricular programs (such as debate or readers' theater). Pass/fail only. 1 credit. (F-S,Y)

SPCM 22500 - Health Communication LA SS

Introduction to the field of health communication, including origins and development. Presents theories of health behavior and communication and how they relate to one another in practice. Examines communication between health professionals and clients, and the roles media play in the health care industry and the delivery of health services. Cross-listed with HLTH 22500. Students may not receive credit for both HLTH 22500 and SPCM 22500. Prerequisites: Sophomore standing or above. 3 credits. (F,Y)

SPCM 23000 - Analysis and Performance of Literature 3A 3B FA LA

Introduction to the art of oral interpretation of literature, including communicative and literary analysis, oral performance, and performance criticism. Survey of basic performance and analysis techniques for fictional prose and poetry. Prerequisites: Two courses in the humanities and/or social sciences. 3 credits. (S,Y)

SPCM 24300 - Interviewing LA SS

Focuses on the theory and practice of interviewing. Applies communication theories during several classroom and field interviewing opportunities. Prerequisites: Sophomore standing. 3 credits. (F,Y)

SPCM 28900 - Selected Topics: Speech Communication HU LA

Topics of current interest. Examples include nonverbal communication, campaign rhetoric, listening, intrapersonal communication, and legislative and parliamentary procedure. May be repeated for credit when topics vary. Prerequisites: Three courses in the humanities and/or social sciences; additional prerequisites as appropriate to the topic. 3 credits. (IRR)

SPCM 29700 - Directed Readings HU LA SS

Study of an extensive selection of literature, compiled by an instructor, on a topic of special interest. This literature should further student development within a relevant topic area that is not otherwise covered in an available course. Offered on demand only. Prerequisites: Three credits in speech communication; sophomore standing; approval of the speech communication faculty. 1-4 credits.

SPCM 31100 - Advanced Public Communication 3A HU LA

Advanced public speaking, with three complementary goals: (1) to develop a professional level of oral skill before a live audience; (2) to practice advanced communication skills in the public sphere as speakers, speechwriters, and consultants; and (3) to be exposed to a variety of speech types and criteria by which speeches can be judged. Prerequisites: SPCM 11000 or SPCM 11500; three courses in the humanities and/or social sciences. 3 credits. (Y)

SPCM 32400 - Rhetoric and Social Order LA SS

Study of the rhetoric and persuasion of social groups. Focuses on communication strategies used by leaders and/or members of social groups in advocating social change, and the communication strategies of social control in response. Prerequisites: Three courses in the humanities and/or social sciences. 3 credits. (IRR)

SPCM 32600 - Classical Theories of Rhetoric 3A H HU LA

Study of various theories of persuasion from the Platonic era through the Roman-Christian period (Plato to St. Augustine). Prerequisites: SPCM 11000, SPCM 11500, or SPCM 15000; junior standing. 3 credits. (Y)

SPCM 32700 - Modern and Contemporary Theories of Rhetoric 3A H HU LA

Rhetorical theories offer a particular way of exploring the practice of communication. This seminar addresses one or more theoretical themes in the rhetorical approach to communication. Objectives include understanding the nature and value of communication theories in the modern world, as well as being able to put theories into practice. Prerequisites: SPCM 11000 or SPCM 12000; junior standing. 3 credits. (Y)

SPCM 32800 - The Uses and Methods of Communication Criticism HU LA

Advanced course that approaches criticism, one of the primary research methods in this field, as a way of knowing comparable to scientific and social-scientific ways of knowing. Addresses different methods of criticism through student-driven projects and presentation. Considers practical uses of criticism and reflects on the philosophical assumptions critics make. Prerequisites: SPCM 12000; junior standing. 3 credits. (Y)

SPCM 33200 - Folklore and Cultural Performances FA LA

Survey of the major forms and traditions of folklore and cultural performances ranging from everyday conversations to rituals and celebrations. Emphasis is placed on the analysis of aesthetic, rhetorical, and group dimensions of folkloric/oral performances. Narrative forms to be studied include personal storytelling, jokes and humor, legends, and tales. Larger performance forms are also included, such as spectacles, holidays, and festivals. Prerequisites: Nine credits of courses from one or more of the following departments: anthropology, cinema and photography, English, sociology, speech communication, theater arts. 3 credits. (IRR)

Study of the principles and practice of readers' theater as a creative and presentational art form. Includes study of adaptation and compilation scripting; direction and performance of ensemble interpretation projects. Prerequisites: SPCM 23000, or three courses in speech communication and/or theater. 3 credits. (IRR)

SPCM 33500 - Analysis and Performance of Poetry FA LA

Exploration of vocal and performance behavior appropriate to poems written in the lyric, epic, and dramatic modes; evaluation of the student's oral performance in each of the modes and in various periods of English literature. Prerequisites: SPCM 23000, or three courses in speech communication and/or theater. 3 credits. (IRR)

SPCM 34100 - Communication Research Methods LA SS

Prepares students to be competent and critical readers of published and unpublished reports of scientific research on communication phenomena. Emphasizes critical evaluation of communication research literature based on both quantitative and qualitative methods. Topics include the philosophy of social science, design of research, problems of measurement, basic statistical analysis, participant observation, interaction analysis, interviews, narrative analysis, scientific arguments, and ethical issues in research. Prerequisites: Three courses in speech communication; junior standing. 3 credits. (Y)

The family from a communication perspective. Studies the dominant theories and methodologies that illuminate communication about and within the contemporary American family. Emphasis is placed on the central role communication plays in determining expectations and realities in a diversity of situations (e.g., nuclear, extended, single-parent, blended, voluntarily childless, or gay/lesbian-led families). Prerequisites: SPCM 14000 or SPCM 14900; two courses in the social sciences; sophomore standing. 3 credits. (S,E)

SPCM 35300 - Language and Social Interaction HU LA

Studies how symbolization reflects and generates a particular view of reality. Emphasizes how certain methods of describing the world determine the orientation a person has toward the world. Focus is on the reality structures of American language. Prerequisites: Three courses in speech communication; junior standing. 3 credits. (Y)

SPCM 38900 - Selected Topics: Speech Communication HU LA

Topics of current interest. Examples include small group dynamics, research methodology, interracial/intercultural communication, conflict management, and male/female relationships. May be repeated for credit for selected topics on different subjects. Prerequisites: Three courses in the humanities and social sciences; additional prerequisites as appropriate to the topic. 3 credits. (IRR)

SPCM 39500 - Internship: Speech Communication NLA

Work-study project designed by the student in consultation with a sponsoring faculty member and an on-site practicing professional. The proposal must define the work to be done, the theories to be explored, and the student's plan for submitting a written report based on his or her experience. Offered on demand only. Credits earned with this course may not be used as upper-level elective credit toward a speech communication major. Prerequisites: Cumulative GPA of 2.30; permission of speech communication faculty. Variable credit.

SPCM 39700 - Directed Readings HU LA SS

Study of an extensive selection of literature, compiled by an instructor, on a topic of special interest. This literature should further student development within a relevant topic area that is not otherwise covered in an available course. Offered on demand only. Prerequisites: Nine credits in speech communication; junior standing; approval of the speech communication faculty. 1-4 credits.

SPCM 42900 - Seminar in Public Communication HU LA

In-depth study of a specific topic in public communication, such as the speaking of a particular person (Nixon) or type of person (president), communication strategies of a movement (women's), or a kind of rhetoric (famous pleas). Prerequisites: Senior standing or equivalent in speech communication. 3 credits. (IRR)

SPCM 43900 - Seminar in Literary and Cultural Performances FA HU LA

Detailed study of special topics in fields such as linguistics, literary composition, prosody, and rhetoric as they relate to the oral presentation of prose, poetry, and the play. Prerequisites: Six credits in analysis and performance of literature. 3 credits. (IRR)

Examination of current theories of social influence and their relationship to communication. Focuses on analyzing current persuasion practices in terms of theories such as social learning and self-persuasion, attribution theory, information processing, and social change. Prerequisites: SPCM 14000; SPCM 14900; one level-3 or above course identified as an "applications in speech communication" course. 3 credits. (S,Y)

SPCM 45900 - Seminar in Communication Theory LA SS

Detailed study of special topics. 3 credits. (IRR)

SPCM 49500 - Internship: Speech Communication NLA

Work-study project designed by the student in consultation with a sponsoring faculty member and a cooperating practicing professional. The proposal must define the work to be done, the theories to be explored, and the student's plan for submitting a written report based on his or her experience. Offered on demand only. No more than 6 credits may be used toward the major. Prerequisites: Speech communication major, with a cumulative GPA of 2.30 and 3.00 in the major; permission of speech communication faculty. Variable credit, up to 12 credits.

SPCM 49800 - Directed Research LA

Research project arranged at student request an individual instructor in speech communication. Offered on demand only. No more than 3 credits may be used toward the major. Prerequisites: Speech communication major or minor, with a cumulative GPA of 2.30 and 3.00 in the major; junior standing; permission of speech communication faculty. 1-4 credits.

SPCM 49900 - Independent Study: Speech Communication LA

Special reading and research under the supervision of the department. Must not duplicate standard coursework. Application must be made to the speech communication faculty before preregistration for the semester in which the study is to be undertaken. Offered on demand only. May be repeated for a total of 6 credits. Prerequisites: Cumulative GPA of 2.30 and 3.00 in major; junior or senior standing; permission of speech communication faculty. 1-4 credits.